If you're reading this, you're probably worried about a parent's driving. Maybe you've noticed some changes. Maybe other family members have said something. Maybe you had a moment in the passenger seat that scared you.
You're not alone. This is one of the hardest conversations families have. When the changes you're noticing are linked to a medical condition (such as dementia, stroke, Parkinson's disease, or other conditions affecting cognition, vision, or physical function), an OT driving assessment can help determine whether it's still safe for them to be on the road.
This is a practical guide to navigating it.
Signs that a driver may no longer be safe
Some warning signs that a parent's driving may be declining:
Minor bumps, scrapes, or unexplained damage to the car
Getting lost on familiar routes
Driving well below the speed limit without reason
Confusion at intersections or roundabouts
Drifting between lanes
Missing road signs or traffic signals
Near-misses that seem to happen more often
Family members avoiding getting in the car with them
A recent medical diagnosis that could affect driving
One sign on its own may not mean much. A pattern of them usually does.
Start with the GP, not the car keys
This is the most important advice I can give families: don't try to handle this yourself. Involve the GP.
In Queensland, drivers with medical conditions that may affect their driving are legally required to notify Transport and Main Roads (TMR). The fine for not reporting can be more than $9,600. In practice, the notification usually happens through the GP, who completes the Medical Certificate for Motor Vehicle Driver (Form F3712) and submits it to TMR.
By going through the GP, you:
Take yourself out of the position of being "the one who took the keys away"
Get a clinical, objective process started
Remove the conversation from family opinions and put it in professional hands
Make sure the legal and licensing requirements are handled properly
How to raise it with the GP
You can call the GP's reception directly and let them know you have concerns about your parent's driving. The GP can then raise it during the next appointment, or book a dedicated appointment to discuss it.
If you're worried your parent will be upset, it usually helps to be upfront. Something like, "I've been worried about your driving. I've mentioned it to the GP because I want to make sure we're doing the right thing."
What happens at an OT driving assessment
If the GP refers your parent for an OT driving assessment, here's what to expect:
An off-road (clinical) assessment at home. The OT visits your parent and assesses their vision, cognitive skills (attention, processing speed, decision-making, spatial awareness), and physical function. Family members are welcome during this part and often provide useful observations. This takes approximately 60 to 90 minutes.
An on-road assessment. Your parent drives for about one hour with the OT and a specialist driving instructor in a dual-controlled vehicle, in their local area.
The whole process takes 2 to 3 hours. For a full walkthrough of what happens, see our guide to what to expect on the day.
The outcome can range from "fit to keep driving" through to various licence conditions (daytime only, local area only) through to a recommendation to stop driving.
The OT provides a report to TMR, your parent's doctor, and your parent. TMR makes the final decision about the licence.
Having the conversation with your parent
A few things that often help:
Choose your timing. A calm, private moment. Not in the car after a near-miss. Not in front of grandchildren.
Lead with concern, not criticism. "I've been worried about you" lands differently to "you're not safe to drive anymore."
Be specific. Concrete examples are harder to dismiss than vague concerns. "I noticed you didn't see the car from the right at that intersection last week" is more useful than "your driving isn't as good as it used to be."
Acknowledge the loss. "I know driving matters to you. I'm raising it because I care about you, not because I think less of you."
Offer the OT assessment as a way to find out objectively. "Let's get it properly assessed, rather than us guessing. If you're fine, you're fine."
What if they refuse?
Some options:
Involve other family members. Sometimes they'll listen to a sibling, grandchild, or family friend.
Raise it at a scheduled medical appointment. Ask the GP in advance to raise driving during a routine visit.
Contact the GP directly. Even if your parent won't come to a specific appointment, the GP can note your concerns.
Contact Queensland Transport and Main Roads. If you have genuine safety concerns and other options haven't worked, anyone can report a concern about a driver's medical fitness to TMR. Reports are treated confidentially.
If the assessment recommends they stop driving
Acknowledge the grief. Losing a licence is a genuine loss. Let them be upset.
Plan alternative transport. Community transport services (available through most Gold Coast and Northern NSW local councils), taxis, rideshare, family lifts, and home delivery services can all help maintain independence.
Keep them connected. Isolation is the biggest risk after someone stops driving. Actively work to keep them socially connected.
Be patient. Adjustment takes months, not days.
Cross-border note
If your parent lives in Northern NSW (Tweed Heads, Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore and surrounds), the OT assessment is the same, but the referral goes through Transport for NSW rather than Queensland TMR, and the doctor completes the NSW Fitness to Drive form rather than Form F3712.
Steer Driving covers both the Gold Coast and Northern NSW.
Starting the process
The first step is a conversation with your parent's GP. Once a referral is in place, you can book an OT driving assessment at steerdriving.com.au/referral.
Ready to book an OT driving assessment on the Gold Coast? Steer Driving is a mobile assessment service covering the Gold Coast and surrounding areas. Whether you already have a referral or you're just getting started, get in touch and we'll guide you through the next steps.
This article was written by Elise, an AHPRA-registered Occupational Therapist and driver assessor. Elise is the founder of Steer Driving, a mobile OT driving assessment practice.
FAQ Section
How do I know when a parent should stop driving? Warning signs include minor bumps or unexplained damage, getting lost on familiar routes, confusion at intersections, driving too slowly, missing road signs, and near-misses. A pattern of concerning signs is usually more meaningful than a single incident.
Can I report my parent's driving to Queensland Transport? Yes. Anyone can report a concern about a driver's medical fitness to Transport and Main Roads. Reports are treated confidentially. Working through the GP first is usually less distressing for everyone.
What happens at the OT driving assessment? The OT visits your parent at home for a clinical assessment (vision, cognition, physical function), followed by a one-hour on-road drive in a dual-controlled vehicle. The whole process takes 2 to 3 hours.
What if my parent refuses to see their GP about driving? You can contact the GP directly to raise your concerns. The GP can address it at the next scheduled appointment. For serious safety concerns, contacting TMR directly is an option.
What form does the GP need to complete in Queensland? The Medical Certificate for Motor Vehicle Driver (Form F3712), submitted to Queensland Transport and Main Roads.
Do you service Northern NSW as well as the Gold Coast? Yes. Steer Driving covers the Gold Coast and Northern NSW. For Northern NSW residents, the referral goes through Transport for NSW rather than Queensland TMR.
